Paper Selection Guide

Choosing the proper paper or “stock” for your project is extremely important. Not only is it important to choose the correct color of paper, but t weight, texture and coating all make a substantial difference in the final creation of the project. Not sure what best suits your project? Call us at Carleton Printing and we can make recommendations.

Thickness
Also known as the “weight” of the paper. The thicker, or heavier the paper, the better your results when printing in multiple colors, or when adding special features such as perforations, scoring, folding, etc. Of course, it may be necessary to strike a balance if your piece is intended for mailing; heavy enough to be durable, but not so heavy to increase postage costs.Note: Paper is specified in weight by the pound; for example, typical copier paper is 20# (pound) weight, whereas a glossy magazine cover might be 80# or heavier.

TextureToday’s paper choices run the gamut from a very smooth finish, to a linen finish, columns, confetti, even paper that feels like felt. There are pros and cons to each, so if you’re not sure if your choice is a good match for your printing project, just ask. The printing professionals at Carleton Printing are here to help.

ColorAs you might expect there are many, many options for paper color. There are even variations between paper called white! If you’re drawn to deep colors, that might be a perfect choice for a bold business card, but make your selection carefully. Matching it to stationary might pose a challenge. Deep colors are usually not recommended for full color printing because color ink will be affected by the base color of the paper. Your full color image will not appear as vibrant on a deep color stock.

FinishGlossy stock or matte stock both have a special finish applied when the paper is manufactured. These finishes give an excellent base for the ink and make designs and text stand out. There are also options for coatings that are applied after printing. These coatings are designed to protect your image and resist fingerprinting. Coatings range from light aqueous coating, to ultraviolet coating that is almost like a layer of plastic. Finishes are optional and should be matched to the project or use of your printed item.

Recycled ContentThere are options for paper made from varying amounts of post consumer waste. This green, earth friendly option is an important item to consider when selecting paper.

Laser Printer CompatibleSome paper works better with laser printers, some works better with ink jet. Choose the one to match the type of desktop printer you use most.